EC explains how the current progression system is flawed

[SinisterJointss]

Compare to, say, SE's own title THIEF (A lesser game than its predecessors but stay with me here): I played that game for hours because I wanted to search around every corner, get into every room, hear every conversation. The game wasn't using weird tricks to make me do these things, I did it because I wanted to and I enjoyed every minute.

Compelling and engaging aren't quite the same thing, I think.

I would agree with you but in the end I do things in XIV because I have fun doing them. Not because of some methodical trickery that makes me think im having fun. I have fun playing with my friends, pvp, crafting, the list goes on. I choose to play this game, the game doesnt force me to.